"Essentially, the local health departments have been put in a financial crisis due to the breach in this contract for services provided for those Medicaid patients under the management of Kentucky Spirit since their inception on Nov. 1, 2011," Coplen said. "Because of this continuation of non-payment, the tax payers of Graves County have been covering the cost of theses services. This practice is not sustainable and cannot be continued."
Many of those under the care of Kentucky Spirit have been patients of the health department for many years and Coplen said the health department deeply desires to continue providing care to those patients and their children.
Those under the care of Kentucky Spirit who wish to continue receiving services at Graves County Health Department have options. Patients can choose to pay based on a sliding fee scale according to the Federal Uniform Percentage Payment Schedule or change to one of the other Managed Care Organizations, which are Coventry and WellCare.
To switch, simply call Kentucky Medicaid at 855-446-1245 and ask to change. Medicaid is presently having an open enrollment until Oct. 19, 2012. No forms are required for transition to another Managed Care Organization. For additional information, contact the health department at (270) 247-3553.
